Measles cases in New Brunswick more than double in three days
A measles outbreak declared in New Brunswick’s Zone 3, which includes Fredericton and the upper Saint John River Valley, has more than doubled since last week.
In an email to CTV News Atlantic on Monday, a spokesperson for the Department of Health said since Thursday, Public Health has confirmed seven more cases, bringing the total to 12.
Public Health says it is monitoring the situation closely and working with health-care partners to decrease the risk.
New Brunswick’s chief medical officer of health warned the public about a confirmed case of measles in the Fredericton and Carleton County areas on Oct. 24, followed by two subsequent cases.
On Thursday, the province confirmed an additional two cases.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease.
Vaccinations
Horizon Health Network continues to host measles vaccine clinics in Zone 3.
A vaccine clinic will be held at the Western Valley Multiplex in the Centreville district of Carleton North on Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30p.m. There will also be a clinic at the Stanley Health Centre in Stanley on Friday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Public Health is encouraging people to book an appointment through the provincial scheduler or by calling Tele-Services at 1-833-437-1424, available Monday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) is for babies aged 12-to-18 months.
While people born before 1970 are generally considered to be protected from measles, Public Health says people born later who have not received two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine should get vaccinated.
According to Dr. Mark McKelvie, the province’s regional medical officer of health, the measles vaccine has been in use for over 50 years and is “safe and highly effective at preventing infections.” Those who are unsure of their vaccination status, or that of their children, are urged to contact their health-care provider or local Public Health office.
Symptoms of measles
Public Health says anyone experiencing symptoms should isolate and contact Tele-Care 811 by telephone and follow the operator’s instructions. These people should not go to an emergency room, doctor’s office or clinic.
Anyone who is seriously ill and needs to go to the emergency room should call ahead to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.
Symptoms of measles may include:
- fever
- cough
- sore and/or red eyes
- runny nose
- tiny white spots in the mouth
Within three-to-seven days, Public Health says a red, blotchy rash will appear, first on the face and then spreading to the body, arms and legs.
More information, including new potential exposures, can be found online.
For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW AI modelling predicts these foods will be hit hardest by inflation next year
The new year won’t bring a resolution to rising food costs, according to a new report that predicts prices to rise as much as five per cent in 2025.
DEVELOPING Motive unclear as New York police hunt for masked killer who shot health insurance CEO
Investigators are searching for clues that could help them identify the masked gunman who killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies on a Manhattan sidewalk, then disappeared into Central Park.
'Name what things are': Recognizing 'femicide' 35 years after the Montreal massacre
Ahead of the 35th anniversary of the Montreal Massacre, Annie Ross, a mechanical engineering professor at Polytechnique Montreal, said she often thinks of those who lived through the tragedy but still suffer silently.
Canada Post stores continue to operate during strike — but why?
As many postal workers continue to strike across the country, some Canadians have been puzzled by the fact some Canada Post offices and retail outlets remain open.
Toddler fatally shot after his 7-year-old brother finds a gun in the family's truck
A two-year-old boy was fatally shot when his seven-year-old brother found a gun in the glovebox of the family's truck in Southern California, authorities said.
Mother sues Mattel over 'Wicked' dolls linked to adult film website
Mattel was sued this week by a South Carolina mother for mistakenly putting a link to an adult film site on the packaging for its dolls tied to the movie 'Wicked.'
'It was like I was brainwashed': 2 Ontarians lose $230K to separate AI-generated cryptocurrency ad scams
Two Ontarians collectively lost $230,000 after falling victim to separate AI-generated social media posts advertising fraudulent cryptocurrency investments.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford calls Donald Trump 'funny guy' in Fox News interview
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called U.S. president-elect Donald Trump a 'funny guy' on Wednesday in an interview with Fox News for his comment that Canada should become the United States's 51st state.
NEW Health Canada recalls more than 300 sexual enhancement products in four provinces
Health Canada has recalled hundreds of different sexual enhancements products from stores in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and B.C.